Conference Outlook:
As the top mid-major conference, the Mountain West is the most balanced league outside of the BCS conferences. A few years ago when Boston College and Miami (Fla.) left the Big East, the Mountain West looked poised to surpass the Big East. The MWC is also the home to the first ever BCS buster and a school from this conference may have the best shot of creating controversy in the bowl rankings this season.
1. Brigham Young - Most of this dynamic offense returns for head coach Bronco Mendenhall. However, a depleted defensive unit will determine if the Cougars can win the conference title in 2008.
2. Utah - A healthy Brian Johnson and quarterback will go a long way for the Utes. His running ability combined with the steady rushing attack of running back Darrell Mack has potential to give foes a ton of headaches.
3. San Diego State - A ton of returning starters on defense will anchor this Aztec team. However, the team must find someone to replace dual-threat quarterback Kevin O'Connell if they hope to generate a winning season.
4. Air Force - The Falcons lose a boatload of offensive firepower from last season. Although they may only be in the middle of the pack in the Mountain West, they have a good shot at bringing the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy back to Colorado Springs.
5. TCU - Another winning season for the Horned Toads seems likely with their stable full of running backs.
6. New Mexico - Although the Lobos return last season's leading rusher Rodney Ferguson and passer Donovan Porterie, New Mexico should have trouble matching last season's nine win total with a plethora of losses on the defensive side of the ball.
7. Colorado State - The Steve Fairchild era starts in Fort Collins, as the former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator takes over for long time head coach Sonny Lubick. It looks like a rough year ahead for the Rams under the new system.
8. Wyoming - Head coach Joe Glenn probably needs a winning season to save his job with the Cowboys, but the chances of that happening are grim.
9. UNLV - Another coach on the hot seat, Mike Sanford hopes to turn things around in Las Vegas with running back Frank Summers leading the way.
Players to Watch:
Max Hall QB Brigham Young - The latest of a lineage of Cougars quarterbacks to post a ridiculous amount of passing yards. More of that will come this season.
Darrell Mack RB Utah - Last season, Mack posted over 1,200 yards on the ground and reached pay-dirt 12 times. If Brian Johnson's return can open up the Utes' passing game more, Mack could find even more running room this year.
Austin Collie WR/KR Brigham Young - Hall's favorite target, Collie also led the conference in kick return yardage last season.
Jan Jorgensen DE BYU - This Cougar posted conference highs of 13.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss last year.
Russell Allen LB San Diego State - Allen's 119 tackles last season made him the backbone of the Aztec defense. He also broke up six passes.
Ryan Harrison K Air Force - Not only does Harrison taking care of the kicking duties for the Falcons, but he also hands the punting as well. Harrison showed off his strong leg by nailing a 57-yarder last season.
Louis Sakoda P Utah - Sakoda boomed the ball for an average of 44.3 yards each time it touched his foot last season, landing 28 of those in side the opponent's 20-yard line.
Bryce Mahuika WR/PR BYU - He has experience fielding both punts and kicks, although not able to take any back for scores last year. Mahuika will also be counted on to produce at wide out for the Cougars in 2008.